When in a lot of pain because of fibromyalgia, focusing on the pain can make you feel so much worse, both physically and emotionally. Thankfully, lots of great ideas are out there to keep you distracted.

Here are some of them:

Laughter: It is truly the best medicine. Watch your favorite comedian on YouTube, or catch a funny TV show or movie. Aside from being a pain distraction, it will also lift your spirits. Go to Pinterest and find some funny memes, then create a board for them so you can go back and look at them when you need a good laugh. I enjoy watching clips of babies laughing — I can’t help but laugh, too.

Music: You could put together a playlist of your favorite tunes, put in your earbuds, and just get lost in the music. Worship music is what gets me out of my head and focused on something other than my pain. When my focus is on the music, it’s harder to focus on pain level.

Breathing: There are many breathing techniques out there, just find one that works for you. I like lying or sitting in a comfortable spot, closing my eyes, picturing a pleasurable place (the beach), and focusing on slowing my breathing. Take a deep breath in through the nose and slowly exhale through the mouth. Repeating this cycle five minutes or longer is optimal.

Spa time: Why not run a bath and pour in some Epsom salts along with your favorite essential oil or other fragrance? Light some candles around your bathroom so you don’t need the light on. Listen to some soft, soothing music and enjoy.

Art: If you’re artistic, paint, draw in a sketchbook, crochet, or create in whatever way brings you joy. If you’re like me and not very artistic, you could get a fun adult coloring book and some colored pencils. It’s a great distraction.

Netflix: I queue up some of my favorite series and binge-watch on days when the pain is higher or my brain fog keeps me from forming coherent thoughts. Some of my favorites are “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Downton Abbey,” “Midsomer Murders,” “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries,” and “The Crown.”

These are just a few ideas, and I’m sure you know a lot more. Please share them in the comments so we can all benefit.